"When I Grow Up" ~ Thoughts On Choosing A Career Path or Major!

Hello EMGirls & EMwomen,

I was watching the “Kids Choices Awards” on Nickelodeon a few weekends ago with my 10 and 5 year old daughters and I saw/heard the newest song by the Pussycat Dolls called “When I Grow Up”. As the women in the group danced around in there provocative outfits on the stage and sang the lyrics to the song, I was struck by the song, the way the members were dancing and the overall message. The fact that my 5 year old seemed to know some of the lyrics and was watching them dance so closely made me cringe a little.

Here are some of the lyrics and the video (Share your thoughts on this popular new song/video and how the members are dressed and dance as well)

“When I grow up
I wanna be famous
I wanna be a star
I wanna be in movies

When I grow up
I wanna see the world
Drive nice cars
I wanna have groupies

When I grow up
Be on tv
People know me
Be on magazines

When I grow up
Fresh and clean
Number one chick when I step out on the scene

Be careful what you wish for cus you just might get it
You just might get it”


Lyrics | The Pussycat Dolls lyrics - When I Grow Up lyrics


Now EMGirls/EMWomen, this is a very catchy song, but I wanted to take this opportunity to find out what your dreams are when you grow up. There is more out there than being famous, a movie star and having groupies, and I want you all to start thinking about long term goals, dreams and what you truly want to do when you grow up. The images in this video of these women dancing and their clothing to me are a little disturbing to be shown to young kids on nickelodeon in my opinion. We as young women have to carry ourselves in positive and respectful manners. Dressing like women in videos like this and putting so much emphasis on material things and our sexuality are not what we should focus on. Here at EMWomen and EMGirls we want every girl and woman to live with respect for themselves, with power and self esteem. You are all fabulous, beautiful young women who have amazing talents/gifts and sometimes it’s easy to get caught up on our looks, being sexy and the latest trends.

So I wanted to hear some of your dreams and ideas of what you want to be when you grow up. I know a few of you are in high school and some may even be graduating in a few months, so I thought we would open up a discussion on this topic. Also below I have listed some tips that I found on how to choose a major/career that may help you as you explore the path you want to take in your life! I look forward to hearing about your dreams, thoughts about this song/video and any other thoughts you would like to share. One more thing remember that career paths are a journey and not a destination, sometimes it takes time!

Tips On How to Discover A Career Path or Major
1. Take time to think about what you like to do; dream and imagine ideal careers. There are so many opportunities, so many different types of jobs and careers in a wide variety of industries -- and there are also other career paths that are just emerging. Even if you are fairly sure of a career choice, take the time in high school to explore similar (or even vastly different) careers. Explore all your options. Examine your likes and dislikes and take a few career-assessment tests. Answer the question, if you could have any job right now, what would it be -- and why? Don't let any barriers hold you back from finding the perfect career. Take the time for some career assessment and career exploration to expand your vision of potential majors and career paths.

2. Challenge yourself in high school, but don't overwhelm yourself. Do get the most out of high school as possible. When you can, take the tough and challenging schedule of classes; you'll learn more -- and it will look good to the college admissions staff. Obviously, you need to stay focused on getting good grades, but don't overload your schedule -- or yourself -- so that it makes you sick or burnt out. Be sure to include at least one fun course in your schedule. If you have a passion for something, such as photography, find a way to schedule a photography course along with your other tougher college-prep courses.

3. Work, volunteer, or otherwise gain some experience. As with your education, the more you are exposed to, the more options will open to you as you search out careers. There are even a growing number of internship opportunities for high-school students. Seek work and volunteer experiences in and out of school. And from a practical standpoint, work experience looks good on college applications -- and on future job applications and resumes. And one other benefit if you are working in a paid position: spending money! Just remember that school and grades have to come first, so only work if you can balance your schedule, manage your time. If you're interested in a career in journalism, start writing for your school newspaper and look into a part-time job at a local newspaper.

4. Get as much education as you can. We are now a society in which many jobs and careers require additional education or training beyond high school. Some careers even require a graduate degree before you can work in the field. Take advantage of all educational opportunities that come your way, such as summer educational opportunities and educational trips abroad. If financially possible -- and there are many ways to help make it so -- attend college; college graduates make a much higher salary, on average, than high-school graduates. If you have a passion for science or math, instead of spending a summer goofing around the community pool, consider a summer math enrichment program or a space-agency program.

5. Talk with as many adults as possible about careers and colleges. The best way to find out about different careers is to ask people -- family, neighbors, friends, teachers, counselors -- to tell you about their career and college experiences. If you have not already, begin to build a network of adults who know you and are willing to assist you in your educational and career endeavors. And for careers that truly interest you, consider asking each person if you can shadow him/her at work. You could also consider conducting informational interviews at the same time as the shadowing, or as a less intrusive method of learning more about jobs and careers.

6. Remember that everyone must follow his or her own path in life. Don't spend too much time worrying what other people in your high school are doing -- or letting their opinions about your dreams and ambitions affect your decision. And don't worry if you leave high school with no clear career path - that's partly what college is all about, discovering who you are and what you want to do in life. Everyone develops/matures/grows at their own pace, so don't feel the need to rush to make a decision now… but don't use the fact that you have plenty of time to make a decision as an excuse not to at least start learning and researching potential career options. Many colleges offer special “discovery” programs for entering first-year students who have no real idea of majors and careers. These programs expose you to a wide variety of classes, events, and speakers to help lead you onto a path of career discovery.

7. People change; don't feel locked into any college or career now. It's great to have an ideal plan for your life, but remember that things happen, and your plans may need to change… so keep an open mind -- and keep your options open. Some of your friends -- or perhaps you -- already know, or think you know, what you want to do in life. If so, that's fantastic, but don't become so myopic that you lose sight of other interesting opportunities. There are career paths that have not even started today that may be big in five or more years.

8. Don't let anyone control your dreams and ambitions. You will be horribly miserable at best if you let a parent or other family member dictate your major or your career. Students often feel pressure to follow in an adult family member's career path, especially if s/he is footing the bill for college, but the worst thing you can do is choose a career to please someone else.
It's never too early nor too late to get organized and begin making plans.

9. No matter where you are in middle school or high school, now is the time to plan the remainder of your high-school years -- as well as your plans after high school. Research your options for after graduation -- technical schools, community colleges, four-year universities, etc. Start or continue your preparation for the various standardized tests (such as the SAT and ACT). Start thinking about teachers who might be willing to write letters of recommendation for you -- and approach them when the time is near. Finally, make plans to fill any gaps in your plans -- such as striving for better grades, taking tougher courses, gaining experience, or earning community-service hours.

10. Never stop learning… read, grow, and expand your mind. Don't pass-up opportunities to learn and experience new things. Many teachers offer or assign summer and supplemental reading lists -- look at these as opportunities for growth rather than a drag on your summer. The more you read, the more you'll know. It's a cliche, but knowledge is power.